For those who want to study abroad in the United Arab Emirates, it is necessary to apply for a student visa.  However, before that, they must get accepted into a university in the UAE since it is the school that handles the visa application process. The requirements may vary depending on the nationality, or students may be required to submit additional documents for review.  Here you will get all the necessary information regarding student visas for UAE.
 
How to Get a Student Visa for the UAE?

If you have been accepted into a UAE university, your institution arranges to get your UAE Student Visa. To get the UAE Student Visa on your behalf, your school must be accredited. The UAE Student Visa is a type of residence visa so your school can only get it for you once you are in the country. This means you will need to obtain an entry permit first for studying purposes.

1. Applying for the Entry Permit
Depending on your country, you will have to obtain an entry permit before you can enter the UAE. Your school also sponsors your entry permit. They can apply through one of the subsequent portals:
  • The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
  • The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs 
  • GDRFA Dubai mobile apps for Apple and Android
Once you enter UAE, your institution has to arrange for you to get a Student Visa, also known as a Student Residence Visa.

2. Applying for the Student Visa
Your higher education institution applies for UAE Student Visa on your behalf. It is applied at the GDRFA office of the relevant emirate in which you will live. If your application is approved, the GDRFA will attach a Residence Visa to your passport, and you will receive an Emirates ID, valid for the same duration as the student visa.
 
Documents required for Student Visa for the UAE

When you apply for a Student Visa or the UAE, you must meet several requirements. You must submit some of the documents supporting your application. This includes:
  • Your passport
  • Passport-sized pictures.
  • The letter of acceptance into the university or college in UAE.
  • Proof of financial capability to manage your cost of studying in UAE.
  • A medical certificate
  • Proof of accommodation. 
  • If you are applying for a master’s program, including your proof of certification from your previous university.
The requirements for visa applications differ with the emirate and university you choose. These are just the general required documents. It is eventually your school that provides you with the full list of all the documents you will need.
 
Validity of UAE Student Visa

Most student visas are valid for one year and can be renewed annually for the entire duration of your studies.  To renew your visa, you need to let the government know that you are still a student. This can be confirmed by your university/college. However, in 2018, the government of UAE started a new type of Long-Term Residence Visa only for outstanding international students. This type of visa is valid for 5 years.
 
Eligibility for a 5-year UAE Student Visa

If an international student has a high GPA, then he/she is eligible to receive a UAE Student Visa having a validity of 5 years. The eligibility criteria are:
  • The secondary education graduates must have a minimum grade of 95% in a secondary school
  • The university graduates must have a GPA of at least 3.75 from a university.
 
Work With a Student Visa in the UAE

You can work in the UAE while studying on a Student Visa only if you also have a UAE Work Permit. However, you cannot work full-time, you may only work up to 4 straight hours. This is a new decision as earlier, international students were not allowed to work at all in UAE, except in internship programs approved by their school.

Now that you have all the information you need, you should be ready to make an application. But before you do, make sure you have proof of your bank statements and that you have a clean credit history. Also, check which documents you need to provide. You can also contact a professional who can help you with the application. If you have any more queries or questions, please write us. We are always happy to help.
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